In a significant move to tackle ongoing traffic management issues, the Punjab government has approved a tenfold increase in fines for major traffic violations. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday, as part of a broader crackdown on reckless driving and road safety violations across the province.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed strong dissatisfaction over the current state of traffic in Lahore and other urban areas, noting that “despite repeated warnings, there has been no improvement.” She emphasized the need for “concrete and sustainable measures” to resolve what she described as a systemic failure in traffic enforcement and management. She also shared that she had personally reviewed traffic conditions on several roads in Lahore and found them alarming.

Under the new directives, fines for violations such as signal jumping, rash driving, and riding without helmets will be increased up to ten times. Particular focus has been placed on curbing underage driving, now deemed a serious public safety issue. In such cases, the minor’s parent or guardian will face legal consequences, including the registration of a criminal case.

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The Chief Minister also ordered that vehicles involved in overloading or dangerous driving be impounded immediately. Additionally, stricter penalties have been introduced for motorists found using mobile phones while driving — an action she termed a leading cause of road accidents and fatalities.

Officials from the Punjab Police, Lahore Traffic Police, and related departments briefed Maryam Nawaz on current challenges in enforcement and pledged to implement the new reforms swiftly. The Chief Minister urged authorities to ensure the rigorous execution of these measures, reaffirming her commitment to restoring discipline and safety on Punjab’s roads.